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Archive for the ‘USA Book News’ Category

Meet the Author/Illustrator:
Uncle Dave Howard

Uncle-Dave Howard holds his award-winning, rhyming children’s picture book LADY’S DAY, while his main character, pup and pal shares the spotlight!

Everybody’s Favorite Uncle!

“Howard’s seemingly simple illustrations that fill each page and sometimes spill over the edges are filled with texture that speaks a language all its own.” — C.R. Nelson, Observer-Reporter

Hello and welcome, Dave. I’m so glad you could drop by 4writersandreaders for a visit. Can you tell us a little about you and about your life?

I was born in the small town south of Pittsburgh. I was put into L.D. (learning disability) classes when I was in fifth grade. I could not read or write. I have Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D). I graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with an associate degree in visual communication.

How about your family life?

I am very close to my family. Most of my ideas come from my family.

How long have you been writing and what type of writing do you normally do?

I started writing poems when I was ten years old. I continued writing horror stories through junior high; but, the only ones published so far are children’s books. My children’s books all rhyme.

Tell us about Lady’s Day to Play and your Mom’s Choice Award.

I have several books, but my award-winning children’s book Lady’s Day to Play is about a day in the life of my dog Lady. It follows her from play time, to bath time, to nap time in a rhyming format.

I love children’s books that rhyme. What prompted you to write your book? .

Lady’s Day to Play was a baby shower gift for my niece. Her baby died of S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when she was only two months old. I rewrote the story and made it better. I also donate one dollar per book to S.I.D.S. research.

There are only two characters in the book, but Molly is in three of my other books and she has come to life. I am adding more and more to her character as I go.

What was the hardest part about writing your book?

In one word— finishing. My mind never seems to be happy with anything and is always tweaking and fixing things.

Do you do anything besides writing?

I illustrate. Sometimes the illustrations inspire the book and sometimes the writing inspires the illustrations. I self-publish my own books as well as illustrating and publishing other authors’ work. I also work in a factory that makes outlet boxes. That is my full-time job. The books are just a hobby that pays for now.

I am working on several books all at the same time. Some of them I am illustrating for other authors and one of them will be one that I illustrate and write.

Thanks so much for visiting with us today, Uncle Dave Howard. It’s been a pleasure having you. I’m including one of the many YouTube videos I found about you, so that my readers can get to know you even better. After all, many in your community and beyond consider you a local hero. You certainly know how to help kids and adults cultivate their creative side. KUDOS, Uncle-Dave Howard! — Bette A. Stevens 4writersandreaders

“Dave Howard is a larger-than-life children’s book author: With his industrious work ethic and his dedication to bringing art back to the children, Dave brings hope and encouragement to kids and adults alike to be creative and imaginative…” – Larry Pishko, Heraldstandard.com

Watch the video and learn more about Uncle-Dave Howard’s role as a local hero: